March 31, 2010

After teaching math and science in Bolivia for ten years, Jaime Escalante arrived in California speaking little English. Through much hard work, he earned a degree in mathematics and made it back into the classroom. There, he inspired his inner-city students to pass the A.P. calculus exam. His efforts prompted Hollywood to make the movie Stand and Deliver about his life and dedication as an educator.

Escalante died Tuesday after a battle with cancer at age 79. He was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren when he died at his home in Roseville, California. To read more information please visit cnn.com.